HIA-LI 13th Annual Workforce Development Conference to Focus on Talent, Leadership, Sustainability and Future Trends for Long Island Businesses

HAUPPAUGE, NY, June 16, 2011 (Press-News.org) What will it take to develop a thriving Long Island workforce for the future? That is the question that speakers and attendees will debate and discuss during the HIA-LI 13th Annual Workforce Development Conference on Thursday, June 30, 2011 from 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM at St. Josephs College, O'Connor Hall, Patchogue, NY. Orchestrated by HIA-LI, the recognized voice for business on Long Island, the event will host mature companies and start-ups, CEOs and staffs as they discuss the issues and challenges facing the Long Island business community. In addition, HIA-LI will award eight $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors during the executive luncheon. Additional information for sponsors, exhibitors and attendees is available at: http://www.hia-li.org/calendarDetails.cfm?eventID=1320

"HIA-LI is proud of its role developing opportunities to attract, train and retain employees for Long Island businesses," said HIA-LI president Terri Alessi-Miceli. "Our Annual Workforce Development Conference provides an open forum for discussion and sharing of ideas."

Executive Breakfast Keynote - 8:00 AM
Following registration and networking with exhibitors at 7:30 AM, the event kicks off with an executive breakfast which includes a keynote address, "Creating a Corporate Culture that Wins - from the CEO Perspective," delivered by ClearVision Optical CEO David Friedfeld. He will discuss building a stronger corporate culture and how companies operate on the inside shapes how they perform on the outside.

Complimentary Seminars - 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
In the morning, a series of complimentary seminars will address topics of concern among attendees, including:
- Leadership, the Economy & Sustainability
- Healthcare Reform
- New Ways to Attract & Retain Key Talent
- Tweet, Tweet, You're Fired

Executive Luncheon - 12:00 PM
The executive luncheon will include a presentation on "Long Island Youth - What it Takes to Survive in this Economy," delivered by Dawn Strain, President of DJS Events and Founder of LI Elite. She will focus on what it takes to cultivate the development, growth and leadership capabilities of young business professionals on Long Island.

During the luncheon, eight $1,000 HIA-LI scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors planning to attend a College or Trade School located on Long Island.

Complimentary Seminars - 2:30 AM - 3:30 PM
In the afternoon, a series of complimentary seminars will address additional topics of discussion among attendees, including:
- Mixing and Managing the Generations in the Workplace!
- How You Communicate Can Make or Break the Deal
- Effective Tools & Strategies for Engaging & Energizing Your Workforce

Dowling College Business Study - Focus Group - 2:30 AM - 3:30 PM
HIA-LI and the American Communities Institute at Dowling College are inviting Long Island businesses to participate in a focus group as part of an effort to develop recommendations for the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Small Business Administration on how to improve the small business climate in New York State and the U.S. The focus group is part of a study financed by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The goal of the study is to find out what factors may contribute to the improvement of the environment for small businesses and what the federal government and New York State government can do to support these businesses. Any company that employs less than 500 people falls into the category of small business.

Event Sponsors
The HIA-LI Workforce Development sponsors to date include Albrecht, Viggiano, Zureck & Company (AVZ); St. Joseph's; Stony Brook University; and Verizon/East Coast

Conference Information
Companies are invited to participate and their executives are encouraged to attend the HIA-LI Workforce Development Conference. Tickets are available for full-day attendance, including the breakfast and lunch events. Those who wish to simply attend the exhibit and conference can avoid a $5.00 walk-in fee by pre-registering at: http://www.hia-li.org/calendarDetails.cfm?eventID=1320.

About HIA-LI
HIA-LI helps Long Island businesses prosper. For over 30 years, we have been the recognized voice for business on Long Island and a powerful force and economic engine for regional development. We provide a forum for business leaders to network, problem solve and obtain advice on critical issues facing their businesses. Our member companies represent tens of thousands of business professionals. We're headquartered in and support one of the largest industrial parks in the United States. HIA-LI programs and events promote strategic partnerships, targeted networking, and information sharing and business advocacy. Members benefit from our committees, educational programs, career resources, research capabilities, mentoring opportunities and business advisory services. For more information, visit http://www.hia-li.org or call 631-543-5355.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Arthur Germain, Communication Strategy Group, 631-239-6335, agermain@gocsg.com

HIA-LI CONTACT:
Terri Alessi-Miceli, HIA-LI, 631-543-5355, talessi@hia-li.org